The chainsaws are back: Plymouth Council culls more trees in bid to 'stop people having sex in public'

26 May 2023, 06:39 | Updated: 26 May 2023, 07:50

Plymouth’s Armada Way where trees were previously culled.
Plymouth’s Armada Way where trees were previously culled. Picture: Alamy
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Plymouth's local council is under fire once again as their recent choice to remove trees near a waterfront shelter sparks controversy.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The last time Plymouth trees were felled there was a national outcry, the council leader resigned and Labour swept to power in the local elections.

Local authorities claimed the move was part of an attempt to deter illicit activities, such as outdoor sex and drug-related incidents, which have plagued the area.

However, critics argue that the council's action reflects a broader disregard for the city's verdant heritage.

Previous incidents, like the mysterious removal of trees on Armada Way, left residents concerned about the impact on the environment and local wildlife.

Residents have taken to social media to express their frustration, believing that the council is too quick to cut down trees without considering the city's natural beauty and ecological importance.

The council has apologised to the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum for the lack of communication surrounding the felling and has pledged to replant new trees that promote biodiversity and support insect populations.

Similar controversies have arisen in other cities, indicating a wider discussion about the balance between development and environmental preservation.

Listen and subscribe to Unprecedented: Inside Downing Street on Global Player

'Typical bureaucratic nightmare run by a bunch of little Hitlers': Caller on Plymouth council felling trees

A council spokesperson said: “The area around the Belvedere shelter has suffered from growing anti-social behaviour, with council officers regularly having to clean up sex and drug paraphernalia.”

The spokesperson added: “As part of our regular programme of maintenance, and following feedback from the community, including local groups, we have been keen to clean-up this space on the Hoe and make it more welcoming and safe for both residents and visitors.

“Over the past few years we have already carried out improvement works on two other shelters, which has received positive feedback. In the latest works, carried out on the final shelter on April 23, we removed large shrubs, including cabbage palms.”

The council stressed new plants would be installed. The spokesperson said: “We will be replacing them with planting that has improved biodiversity benefits and provides a better home to bees and bugs.

“Works were carried out in consultation with an ecologist, who confirmed that there were no birds nesting. We apologise to the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum that we did not keep them up-to-date with the detail of these works. Community engagement will be a priority moving forward.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Andrew Tate is facing allegations of trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering

Trump team 'pressuring Romania to lift restrictions on Andrew Tate'

Skyrora, a rocket company with its headquarters in Edinburgh

Scottish company promises to blast rockets into space from 2026

A petition calling for major driving licence changes has received almost 100,000 signatures

Petition calls for ban on newly-qualified drivers carrying passengers under 25

The Princess of Wales has shares portraits drawn by her three children during the half-term break.

Princess of Wales shares heartwarming portraits drawn by George, Charlotte and Louis - but who drew who?

Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will retire from cycling this year.

Tour de France winner and double Olympic champion Geraint Thomas to retire from cycling at end of season

A 13-year-old boy has died and five others have been arrested following  a car crash on A672 Oldham Road.

Boy, 13, dies and five others arrested as Vauxhall Corsa spins off road in horror car crash

Lisa Smith, 43, was named by Kent Police

Pictured: Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentine's Day - as police search river Thames for partner

Julia Wandelt who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann

Woman who claims to be Madeleine McCann releases bombshell new DNA test results

Pope Francis will need to remain in hospital with a respiratory tract infection

Pope to remain in hospital with infection as doctors tackle 'complex clinical picture'

One lucky punter scooped £65m on the EuroMillions

Lucky UK ticket-holder claims £65m Valentine's Day EuroMillions jackpot

A life-drawing class that has been running for over 30 years has been told its models must cover-up or find a new venue.

Models at life drawing class in posh London neighbourhood told to cover up over child 'safeguarding' concerns

Exclusive
An investigation by LBC can reveal there are more than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England - the equivalent of one in every 23.

More than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England as thousands left at risk of homelessness

William Howell was found dead in the Aria Casino Hotel in August 2023

Heartbroken family of British man 'left alone to die' in Las Vegas suing ambulance company and hotel where he died

Conor Maynard shared a health update after his fall

Singer Conor Maynard gives health update after being rushed to hospital on stretcher

Lisa Smith, 43, has been named by Kent Police as the victim of the shooting on Valentine's Day

Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentines’ Day is named - as tributes paid to ‘wonderful mum’

Bafta winners

Conclave and The Brutalist win big at 2025 BAFTA awards - as absent Gascón nomination met with rousing applause